Brianna M. Zabel
Wednesday, October 28, 1987
Date of Death:
Friday, August 29, 2025
Age:
37 years old
Celebration of Life
Date: Saturday September 06, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: River Park Reception Hall at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Time of Remembrance
There will be a time of remembrance and memory sharing at 3:00pm during the celebration of life.
Wednesday, October 28, 1987
Date of Death:
Friday, August 29, 2025
Age:
37 years old
Wednesday, October 28, 1987
Date of Death:
Friday, August 29, 2025
Age:
37 years old
Brianna M. Zabel
Brianna Marie Zabel – Rochester
Brianna Marie Zabel, age 37, of Rochester, MN, passed away on August 29, 2025, at home.
Brianna was born on October 28, 1987 in Rochester, MN to Robert “Bob” Zabel and Ramona “Mona” Zabel (Hoffmann).
She graduated from Mayo High School in 2006. In 2010 she went on to earn her B.S. in Elementary Education from Winona State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. In 2011 she earned her M.S. in Elementary Education from Winona State University.
Brianna dedicated her life to education with over 15 years of experience teaching and since 2014 has been guiding curriculum as PYP Coordinator and teaching at Rochester Arts and Science Academy.
She is survived by her husband, Jon “Jonny” Yucuis; her two children, Cecilia “Cece” Yucuis and James Yucuis; her parents, Robert “Bob” & Ramona “Mona” Zabel (Hoffmann); her brothers Christopher “Chris” Zabel and Joshua “Josh” Zabel; her Sister-in-law Ashley Zabel (London); her nephew Hudson Zabel; and her cat Bosco. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family that will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.
Brianna lived a life caring deeply for those around her. From family, friends, students, coworkers, and more, above all she wanted to make sure that the important people in her life were taken care of.
She loved spending time with family and friends, hearing and sharing what’s new in life, laughing together, and offering thoughtful perspective to those around her.
Brianna was an avid reader and at any given moment might be seen with a book in hand.
She had a great appreciation for music, going to concerts with Jonny, listening to music at home or in the car together, and as a musician playing flute for the Chatfield Brass Band.
She greatly enjoyed planning and going on adventures with her family. She had endless activities and experiences for her kids and led countless fun-filled adventures for the family. She especially enjoyed visiting and spending time at the family cabin along the Mississippi River.
She loved all holidays, but Halloween was her favorite being just days from her birthday. She’d start Halloween music, decorations, and planning as soon as she was able. She’d often drink a latte from one of her favorite coffee cups with a message proclaiming “it’s never too early for Halloween”.
Please join us in a Visitation from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at River Park Reception Hall at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester, MN.
There will be a time of remembrance and memory sharing at 3:00pm during the celebration of life.
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Condolences
The family of Brianna M. Zabel has received the following condolences.
Brianna was one of the best people I ever had the privilege of knowing. She made everyone’s lives better by being in it. I will remember, love, and miss her forever.
In Loving Memory of Brianna
It’s difficult to grasp that we lost Brianna so suddenly. As a devoted wife to Jonny, a loving mother to Cece and James, a passionate educator and a wonderful niece, she touched countless lives with her warmth, wisdom, and kindness.
Brianna had a gift for making people feel seen and heard—whether in her classroom, at home, or among friends. I am sure she gave her students more than lessons; she gave them confidence, compassion, and a safe place to grow.
She leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on in her children and in every life she shaped. Though her time with us was far too short, her memory will continue to guide and inspire us all.
With love and remembrance.
Our hearts are with Jonny, Cece, James, as well as Brianna's parents, Bob and Mona, and her brothers Josh, Chris, and all who loved Brianna.
Leon and Elaine Hoffmann
My heart breaks for you and your family. I only had the chance to meet Brianna briefly at Rasa, but it feels especially close knowing our boys are in the same class. I am so deeply sorry for your loss, and I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time.
I did not know Brianna personally but I am proud to say I have known her brother Josh and his wife Ashley for years out in Kansas City. We consider them dear friends and have always admired the way they carry themselves and how amazing their family is. Josh is no doubt cut from the same cloth that Brianna was, so I can only imagine the incredible loss the entire Zabel family is experiencing. Love and prayers from the Cleary Family being sent your way.
Brianna was a former work colleague of mine at RASA. From the moment she started working there, I could tell she was an excellent addition to the staff and had a lot to offer in so many ways. Over the years, I have many positive memories of her. Having meetings to discuss how to implement PYP units, (which she was very passionate about) sharing morning door duty and catching up in between, her always having an open door for a quick question or clarification on anything, volunteering to share about Saint Nicholas during our “Celebrations” unit, and overall, just being a personally and professionally supportive colleague to me. She was encouraging to me when I wanted to work abroad, helped me with a letter, welcomed me back when I returned as a Kindergarten teacher, and it was just amazing to have that ongoing consistency with her and knowledge of how we both worked over the years. I keep everyone who loved her, respected her, and valued her close to my heart during this difficult time. She was truly a treasure to RASA and an amazing colleague. My deepest condolences for this heartbreaking loss.